Top 10: Premier League long-range passers (1)

Barcelona's recent European dominance has led to an influx of foreign Premier League managers trying to replicate the Catalan club's easy-on-the-eye style of tiki-taka football in England's top-flight.

Characterised by short passing and movement, players are encouraged to work the ball through various channels while maintaining possession.

The latest fad, or fashion, is a far cry from the stereotypical long-ball game which places an emphasis on much more direct, and forward-thinking football, with pinpoint passes and cross field balls traditionally common in this country in years gone by.

With that in mind, it's good to see some players and managers still flying the flag for the no-nonsense approach, particularly as Barca's post-Pep Guardiola era looks like being nowhere near as successful.

The Spanish giants were emphatically beaten by Bayern Munich 7-0 over two legs in their Champions League semi-final clash, with Jupp Heynckes's side showcasing a hybrid system that combines the best of both styles - old and new - to devastating effect.

It's an approach that has brought about the first all German final in European Cup history, after Borussia Dortmund, using similarly impressive tactics saw off the challenge of Real Madrid to set up a mouthwatering clash with their domestic rivals at Wembley on May 25.

In the Premier League, lovers of the 'Hollywood pass' might be a dying breed, but players with the ability to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye will still be a valuable asset for any team now looking to copy the latest blueprint.

Click through the tabs - above or below - to see the top ten long-ball passers in the Premier League this season, based on players to have attempted 100+ passes - with stats provided by the Daily Mail.

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